WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, and its inland surf arm Endless Surf, announce their involvement in the NorthBreak surf resort project in North Queensland, Australia.
Set 10km outside of Port Douglas, local developer David Imgraben has received a positive response from the local community for his proposals.
Perfect setting
The NorthBreak resort has been designed to be sustainable and economically supportive. Together with Gary Hunt, from the local firm Hunt Design, Imgraben has created plans for a resort that will appeal to visitors year-round.
For Andrew Thatcher, VP Business Development at Endless Surf, the location of Port Douglas was “the perfect place to add our world-class surf”.
“Port Douglas has some natural benefits such as the lush tropical setting and winter warmth that the team were able to capitalise on, while at the same time overcoming the inability to surf here or even swim in summer due to box jellyfish”, Thatcher added.
There are currently no recognised surf breaks in tropical Australia. And with around 2 million Australians who surf recreationally, NorthBreak is designed to fill a gap in the market by providing year-round access to safe and reliable surfing. Furthermore, the new resort will create hundreds of new jobs for the local community.
A 3.5-acre Endless Surf pool will sit at the heart of the 100-acre resort. The site will feature a high-tech hotel, conference rooms, beach club, restaurant, spa, bike trails, kids aqua park and more, providing something for everyone.
Hunt describes the aesthetic of NorthBreak as ‘an evolution of the tropical vernacular style’ that will maintain 40% vegetation coverage of the site. Guests will be protected from the sun and rain by shaded timber deck verandahs.
A sustainable resort
NorthBreak’s ethos reflects a deep respect for nature, conservation and communication. Sustainability has been a key part of the design of the resort; using solar and green energy sources the resort will be 100% self-sustainable.
Not only is the resort fed by captured and cleansed stormwater, but the Endless Surf design uses a third less concrete than other choices. The compact organic shape of the surf pool also uses less water, and technology means the pool doesn’t need to be drained for maintenance.
Thanks to the Endless Surf flexible wave programming, mixed skill surfers are able to surf together. This also means that on quiet days only parts of the pool need to be powered.
“This resort epitomises the future of sustainable surf parks” explained Paul Chutter, President of Endless Surf. It is “a carefully considered development which understands how to enhance both the community and elevates the guest experience. It has been a pleasure to support David and the NorthBreak team because we share the same passion to create sensitive surf developments which are a net benefit for everyone.”
For Imgraben, Endless Surf was the obvious choice. He explains that “from early on in our investigation of the surf technologies available it became obvious to us that Endless Surf was the standout option for NorthBreak, backed by a team with an impressive track record.”
WhiteWater’s Endless Surf is also providing a surf pool at The Club at Parkwood Village on Australia’s Gold Coast. WhiteWater also recently announced a corporate-wide commitment to implementing more sustainable environmental practices.
Images courtesy of Hunt Design.
